Intent

At St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology empowers children to become creative, innovative and resourceful problem-solvers. Through a curriculum that is practical, purposeful and inspiring, pupils are encouraged to design, create, evaluate and refine products that meet real needs and solve real problems.

Using the Kapow Primary Design and Technology scheme, pupils develop an understanding of the design process through researching, designing, making and evaluating. They learn to take risks, think critically and persevere when faced with challenges, developing resilience and confidence as designers and makers.

We aim to equip pupils with the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Through hands-on experiences, children learn how design and technology shapes everyday life and influences the world around them. They are encouraged to become environmentally aware and responsible consumers, understanding the importance of sustainability and the impact of design decisions on people and the planet.

As a Catholic school, we encourage children to recognise their responsibility as stewards of God's creation, using their talents creatively and thoughtfully to improve the lives of others and contribute positively to society.

Implementation

At St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School, Design and Technology is taught for three half-terms each year, alternating with Art and Design. We use the Kapow Primary Design and Technology scheme to provide a progressive and ambitious curriculum that builds knowledge, understanding and practical skills over time.

Learning is structured around the design process of:

• Design
• Make
• Evaluate

Throughout the curriculum, pupils develop expertise in:

• Mechanisms
• Structures
• Textiles
• Cooking and Nutrition
• Digital and Electrical Systems

Lessons are practical, engaging and challenging, enabling pupils to apply creativity alongside technical knowledge. Prior learning is regularly revisited to strengthen understanding, while new skills and vocabulary are carefully introduced and embedded.

Pupils are encouraged to think like designers by researching existing products, generating innovative ideas, creating prototypes, testing and refining their designs and evaluating their effectiveness. Through this process, children develop independence, resilience and confidence in problem-solving.

The curriculum is enriched through opportunities for cross-curricular learning, including links with science, mathematics, art and computing. Teachers adapt learning to ensure that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately, enabling every child to succeed.

In line with the National Curriculum, pupils are taught to:

• Develop creative, technical and practical expertise.
• Design and make high-quality products for a range of users.
• Critique, evaluate and improve their ideas and products.
• Understand and apply principles of nutrition and healthy eating.
• Use tools, materials and equipment safely and effectively.

Impact

The impact of the Design and Technology curriculum at St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School is seen in pupils who are confident, creative and capable problem-solvers. They understand how design can improve everyday life and are equipped with the skills to apply their learning in meaningful contexts.

Assessment is ongoing through teacher observations, pupil discussions, practical outcomes and evaluation activities. This ensures that progress is monitored effectively and informs future learning.

By the time pupils leave St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School, they will:

• Demonstrate creativity, resilience and independence when solving design challenges.
• Understand and apply the design process with confidence.
• Design and create products that meet a clear purpose 
• Select and use tools, materials and technologies safely and effectively.
• Apply practical knowledge and technical skills across a range of contexts.
• Evaluate and improve their own work using feedback and reflection.
• Understand the contribution of significant designers, inventors and innovators.
• Make informed choices about sustainability and responsible design.
• Meet the end of Key Stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for Design and Technology.

Through their learning, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for future learning and life in an increasingly technological world.

Oracy in Design and Technology

Through our Design and Technology curriculum, pupils develop their communication and presentation skills by:

• Explaining and justifying their design choices.
• Presenting ideas, prototypes and finished products to different audiences.
• Using subject-specific vocabulary accurately and confidently.
• Working collaboratively to plan, organise and evaluate projects.
• Providing constructive feedback on the work of others.
• Reflecting on and improving their own designs.
• Discussing problems and proposing solutions.
• Summarising and defending their ideas through presentations and evaluations.

Catholic Ethos

Design and Technology provides opportunities for pupils to use their God-given talents creatively and purposefully. At St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School, pupils are encouraged to consider how design can improve the lives of others and contribute to the common good. Through learning about sustainability, ethical production and responsible consumption, children develop an understanding of their role as stewards of God's creation and the importance of caring for people and the environment.

British Values

The Design and Technology curriculum actively promotes British Values by encouraging pupils to work collaboratively, think independently and respect the ideas and contributions of others.

Pupils develop:

• Democracy through teamwork, discussion and shared decision-making.
• Individual Liberty by making design choices and expressing creativity.
• Mutual Respect through collaboration and valuing different viewpoints.
• Tolerance by exploring designs, cultures and innovations from around the world.
• The Rule of Law through understanding health and safety procedures, product regulations and responsible design practices.

These experiences help pupils become innovative, respectful and responsible citizens who are prepared for life in modern Britain.